MSU Football Looks Ahead To 2010

Jan. 4, 2010

By Tim Martin, The Associated Press

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - No argument from the Michigan State camp. The Spartans expected to finish this season with better than the 6-7 mark that'll go in the record books.

Michigan State lost five games in which it had fourth-quarter leads, including Saturday's 41-31 loss to Texas Tech in the Alamo Bowl. The Spartans were competitive despite having 14 players suspended or dismissed, mostly related to a Nov. 22 on-campus fight. But Michigan State couldn't make the key offensive plays or defensive stops needed to come up with the victory.

The on-the-field shortcomings and off-the-field problems capped a frustrating season. But with a solid nucleus of young talent returning, there's reason for coach Mark Dantonio to feel optimistic about 2010.

"There are good things around the corner for this football team," Dantonio told The Associated Press shortly after returning to East Lansing from the bowl game in San Antonio. "We're a young football team that certainly has room for growth."

Learning how to win close games will be crucial. Michigan State lost by 3 points or less this season to Central Michigan, Notre Dame and Iowa. The Spartans also had chances to win against Minnesota and Texas Tech.

"We'll need to learn from it," said quarterback Kirk Cousins, who threw for 2,680 yards and 19 TDs against nine interceptions during his sophomore season.

Cousins and the Spartans, who averaged 29.7 points per game this season, could be even more potent in 2010.

The backfield appears set with Larry Caper and Edwin Baker, who combined for 895 yards rushing this season as true freshmen. Versatile receiver and kick returner Keshawn Martin, who had 238 all-purpose yards and threw a TD pass in the Alamo Bowl, will be a dangerous weapon. Four tight ends with significant game experience will be back.

B.J. Cunningham and Mark Dell, who finished second and third for the Spartans in receptions this season, are among the suspended players who face misdemeanor assault charges stemming from the fight with members of a campus fraternity. But many of those players likely will return once their cases are resolved.

The Spartans will try to find ways to get backup quarterback Keith Nichol on the field more often. He ran for a touchdown on a quarterback draw and caught two passes lined up as a receiver at the Alamo Bowl.

The biggest question on offense will be the line, which loses three starters.

Of more concern is the Spartans defense, which gave up 26.3 points per game this season.

All-America linebacker Greg Jones has until Jan. 15 to decide if he will return for his senior season or enter the NFL draft. If Jones returns, the linebacker corps should be solid and the defense will have a key building block.

But both the pass rush and secondary coverage must improve dramatically if the Spartans are to seriously challenge in the Big Ten. Several players from this year's secondary, along with defensive end Trevor Anderson, are seniors and won't be back.

The Spartans will lose a huge special teams weapon as kicker Brett Swenson departs with school records for total points (377), field goals (71) and extra points (164).

Michigan State is 22-17 in three seasons under Dantonio, a significant improvement from the 14-21 record during the three seasons before his arrival. Recruiting has improved and another solid class likely will be signed in February.

The Spartans have appeared in bowl games all three seasons under Dantonio and have beaten rival Michigan twice in a row for the first time since winning three straight from 1965-67.

But the Spartans, along with their fan base, want more.

"I'm proud of our football team and the way we responded," Dantonio said of his team's competitive spirit, particularly in the Alamo Bowl. "But we're not looking for moral victories."